SERVICES
MRI - SERVICES OFFERED
CareFirst Imaging provides high-field and open upright weight-bearing MRI technology in a beautiful setting, making it easy for patients to feel comfortable and relaxed.
MUSCULOSKELETAL IMAGING
NEUROLOGICAL IMAGING
TOTAL SPINE IMAGING
HIGH-RESOLUTION JOINT IMAGING
HIGH-RESOLUTION PERIPHERAL ANGIOGRAPHY
GENERAL ABDOMINAL IMAGING
VASCULAR SYSTEM IMAGING
HIGH-RESOLUTION PERIPHERAL ANGIOGRAPHY
GENERAL ABDOMINAL IMAGING
FACTS ABOUT THE MRI PROCEDURE
- Upright MRI allows images to be captured of a patient’s spine in a weight-bearing position, which may reveal herniations or bulges that do not appear as significantly when the spine is in a relaxed (laying down) position.
- Flexion and Extension views of the spine allow a physician to see the patient’s neck or low back in extended views. Many times patients with whiplash or other spine conditions will experience greater symptoms in these positions.
- CareFirst Imaging uses a specialized protocol called Susceptibility Weighted Image (SWI). The SWI is possible through the use of algorithms that differentiate the densities of adjacent tissues; the SWI scan is 3to6 times more sensitive as it accounts for the susceptibility of all brain elements, including hemorrhages – hence the name susceptibility-weighted image. This differs from the more common DTI protocol. DTI works by measuring the diffusion of water through tissue. With DTI, measurements are isolated to identify the preferred direction of flow, which allows for the isolation of neural tracts from the brain’s white matter. The SWI image shows iron concentrations in the brain and can detect a brain hemorrhage even when the general brain scan appears negative.
- CareFirst Imaging offers better joint imaging by utilzing high-field coils that specifically target joints and provide the best images available. Turn-around time for CareFirst Imaging is 24 hours.
